…By Dorcas Funmi for TDPel Media. Speculations have emerged, as reported by SaharaReporters, suggesting that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and several other senators, including Adeola Yayi, padded President Bola Tinubu’s palliative budget with over N200 billion.
The alleged budget padding occurred during the amendment of the 2022 Supplementary Appropriation Act.
Senate Approval and Amendment of the Palliative Budget
On Thursday, the Senate approved Tinubu’s request to allocate N500 billion for palliatives aimed at mitigating the effects of the removal of petrol subsidy on Nigerians.
Sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, the motion received accelerated passage, authorizing the appropriation of funds from the N819 billion Supplementary Appropriation Act.
Involvement of Akpabio, Barau, and Adeola Yayi
Sources cited by SaharaReporters revealed that Senate President Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, and Senator Solomon Adeola, known as Yayi, were the primary architects of the budget padding.
It is alleged that they added over N200 billion to the amended 2022 supplementary budget.
Opposition and Opposition Within
According to sources, Senator Ali Ndume and others vehemently opposed the act, leading to several senators walking out.
However, Akpabio proceeded to pass the alleged fraudulent padding.
The role of Akpabio, Barau, and Adeola Yayi in the budget padding was emphasized by the sources.
Questionable Allocations and Suspicious Amendments
Documents obtained by SaharaReporters reveal how funds were allocated to various projects in the amended budget.
Several projects received sudden allocations that were not present in the original supplementary bill.
Examples include allocations for tricycles (Keke NAPEP) supply, public building construction, road rehabilitation, classrooms construction, healthcare centers, and other infrastructure projects.
Mounting Criticisms and Alleged Lack of Understanding
Critics argue that the actions of Akpabio, Barau, and Adeola Yayi demonstrate a lack of understanding of governance and the complexities involved in large-scale infrastructure projects.
Their alleged budget padding has drawn severe criticisms and has been seen as an attempt to hinder the development of Edo State.
Unveiling the Extent of Amendments and New Projects
The documents further outline the extensive allocation of funds for various road construction, rural infrastructure development, electrification projects, provision of solar-powered installations, repairs of flood-prone sections, hospital rehabilitation, and procurement of vehicles and equipment.
The N70 billion provision for the National Assembly’s operational vehicles, office equipment, and furniture fittings has also raised eyebrows.
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